Boat Trailer tires

differ greatly from Automotive tires. Automotive tires are made to maintain traction through all conditions: pulling, stopping, turning, or swerving. For that reason they must have more flexible sidewalls to keep tread to road contact. The only time trailers need traction is when the trailer brakes are applied. With that in mind, you will want to decide on a tire style. You won't want to get (P) Passenger or (LT) Light Truck tires, but the best trailer control is achieved with (ST) Special Trailer tires.

Radial vs. Bias?

Bias, or cross, has the body ply cords that run diagonally from bead to bead. Usually at angle and with successive plies laying in a crisscross pattern. The crisscross pattern allows the body of the tire the flexibility to give a smooth ride on rough surfaces. Better for increased rolling resistance and less control and traction at higher speeds.

Radial construction utilizes the body ply cords extending from beads across the treads so they are at right angles to the center line of the treads. This ply uses stabilizer belts directly under the tread and are made of cord or steel. The advantage with this ply is longer tread life, better steering, and lower rolling resistance.

When it comes to choosing the replacement tire that you need, all you have to do is look at the tire you are replacing and all the information is there. ST225/75R15 or something similar is the number that you will be looking for.

ST - Special Tire

-this is the type of tire. Passenger (P), Light Truck (LT), or Special Tire (ST).

1 – Nominal width of the tire in millimeters (295)

2 – Ratio of height to width (75)

3 – Radial ( R ) or Bias ( B)

-this tells you what ply you would need

4 – Rim diameter code. (22.5)

After all this information, if you still feel like you have questions or need help, it is always bests to talk to the professionals. That is what they are there for. Good luck and happy tire hunting.